I was saddened to learn of the collapse of Hampden’s “Dome” (the Maine Sports Complex) due to the recent heavy snows. The Dome has been a wonderful venue for adults and children alike, offering a professional-level playing arena for soccer, field hockey, golf, football and sports parties.

There is no other facility like it anywhere in the area, and owner Pete Madigan has been struggling financially and legally to build and promote this excellent outlet for year-round physical activity for individuals and teams, much of it in the face of disheartening small business-creation red tape and unfortunate events like the recent snowfall. It it is unlikely the Dome would have collapsed had not vandals damaged the cover earlier this year, as it withstood last winter’s snows without a problem.

I applaud the community volunteers who have stepped forward to help “raise the roof” again, hope the facility will re-open soon, and encourage others to come along and take part in the many opportunities offered there.

Meg Fergusson

Orono